Hanumankind, Diljit Dosanjh, Coldplay, Jasleen Royal, Rishab Rikhiram sharma, Lollapalooza, Rolling Loud, Chaar Diwari, tricksingh, Spotify Rap 91″>
MUMBAI, June 21, 2025
Indian Music’s Metamorphosis
India’s music scene is exploding beyond Bollywood, fueled by artists redefining global sound.
- Hanumankind made history at Coachella,signaling a new era for Indian hip-hop.
- Indian artists are gaining visibility on global stages like the Met Gala and coldplay tours.
- Self-reliant acts are thriving, blending genres and cultures, and supported by invested fans.
- The industry is shifting from seeking approval to building its own platforms and definitions of success.
The Indian music industry is rapidly evolving, marked by increased access, diverse voices, and a surge in independant artists gaining global recognition.
A Sound Finding Its Way
There’s a unique sound resonating throughout India’s music industry, as it continues to discover its own identity. For years, the industry has evolved, and it’s more than just music; it’s about voice, access, visibility, pride, and possibility.
not long ago,the industry’s direction was uncertain,with Bollywood dominating and regional artists struggling for visibility. Independent acts often lacked support, funding their projects independently. But now, the landscape has shifted dramatically.
Breakthrough Moments
This year alone has seen watershed moments. Bengaluru rapper Hanumankind ignited Coachella, becoming one of the few Indian independent hip-hop artists to grace the festival’s stage. Shortly before that, Diljit Dosanjh, a 2023 Coachella performer, made waves at the Met Gala, embodying both tradition and stardom.
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour finally reached India, but it wasn’t just the spectacle that captivated audiences. Indian artists like Jasleen Royal opened for the globally renowned band, performing for thousands.
Independent Artists Rise
Simultaneously, independent artists are making significant strides. Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is filling venues nationwide with his Sitar for Mental Health Tour. Festivals like Lollapalooza and Rolling Loud are now hosted in India, spotlighting independent artists such as Chaar Diwari and tricksingh, who are creating visually stunning music videos.
Spotify’s Rap 91 showcase highlighted emerging Indian hip-hop artists, including Dhanji, Baby Jean, MC Couper, and The Siege, each representing different regions of the country.
Expanding the Musical Landscape
Today, Spotify offers a diverse range of music, from Assamese alt-rock to Mumbai drill rap. Festivals in Goa and Meghalaya blend Manipuri folk with UK garage. instagram showcases Carnatic reinterpretations of Western pop and Hindi lo-fi anthems created in bedrooms.
This expansion is driven by artists who refuse to conform. The focus is shifting from struggle to growth, with artists planning for the future and producers receiving deserved recognition. Managers are building brands, and fans are more engaged than ever, buying tickets, creating fandoms, and learning about the music creation process.
Did you know? India’s independent music scene has seen a surge in cross-cultural collaborations, blending customary Indian sounds with global genres like electronic and hip-hop.
redefining Global
The industry is no longer waiting for “discovery.” Rather, it’s constructing new platforms and defining “global” on its own terms. The pursuit of global approval is fading as the industry focuses on self-defined success.
Challenges remain, including flawed royalty systems, gender representation disparities, unequal visibility for regional languages, and mental health concerns. Though,these issues are being acknowledged,addressed,and learned from.
The narrative surrounding Indian music is evolving. It’s a story of strategy, community, and resilience. It’s about young talents creating viral beats and legacy artists embracing change. Collectives are replacing old hierarchies, and the scene is building its own identity rather than seeking validation.
Reflecting on Progress
On World Music Day, industry members are encouraged to reflect on the progress made and the potential for future growth. By maintaining momentum, the Indian music industry can reach new heights.
Quick fact: The consumption of regional music in India has increased by over 50% in the last two years,driven by the accessibility provided by streaming platforms.
What is the story being told about Indian music to the world?
The story is ever-changing, continuously evolving, and increasingly vibrant. it is indeed a story of strategy, community, and comeback, of young talents from small towns creating globally viral beats, of legacy artists embracing change, and of collectives rising above outdated hierarchies.
What is the Future of Indian Music?
The Indian music story continues to unfold, and its future is brimming with potential.The momentum built in recent years suggests even greater growth and innovation. the key lies in nurturing the elements driving current success.
The Pillars of Progress
Multiple factors are shaping the future of Indian music. These include:
- Continued Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Blending genres is not just a trend, but a necessity. Building on the current fusion of Indian classical with electronic and hip-hop will open further possibilities. This includes incorporating global sounds while staying authentic.
- Technological Advancement: Platforms for music creation and distribution play a bigger role. Artists benefit from easy access. The use of AI and othre technologies to help music production and promotion will continue to advance.
- Stronger Support Systems: As the scene expands, so does the need for reliable industry infrastructure. This includes fair royalty systems, better artist management, and mental health resources.
- Focus on Regional Music: Increased visibility and gratitude of regional languages and sounds will be key. This includes promoting artists from different parts of India and celebrating diverse musical traditions.
- Fan engagement and Community: Dedicated fan bases are the backbone of artist success. The trend of buying tickets,creating fandoms,and learning about the music creation process will continue and grow.
Actionable Steps for Artists
Artists can take specific steps to thrive in this evolving landscape:
- Embrace Digital Platforms: Learn to use streaming services, social media, and other digital tools to promote albums.
- Build a Personal Brand: In an oversaturated market, building a unique brand is critical. Communicate your story and connect with your fans across platforms.
- Collaborate Broadly: Work with artists across genres and regions to create fresh sounds. Cross-cultural collaborations can open up new audiences.
- Prioritize Mental Wellness: The music industry can be challenging. Create a self-care routine and get professional support when needed.
- Stay Persistent: The path to success is not always easy. Keep your work ethic strong, and never stop honing your craft.
what is driving change in the Indian music industry? The shift is fueled by self-reliant artists, cross-cultural collaborations, and fans who invest in their favorite artists.
How can indian musicians stay at the top? They must embrace digital platforms, build their brand, and work across genres.
The Road Ahead
The independent music scene in India is dynamic, especially the rise of regional languages and genres. From Hanumankind’s triumph at Coachella to the presence of Indian artists at global events, the industry’s narrative has shifted. These developments underscore Indian music’s global impact.
Will Bollywood lose its dominance? The rise of independent music is diversifying the Indian music landscape. While Bollywood will stay relevant, the future is about creating space for numerous musical styles.
What are the critical challenges the Indian music industry faces? These challenges include fairer royalty systems, greater representation of women and regional languages, and addressing mental health concerns.
By acknowledging these challenges, embracing trends, and helping artists succeed, India can carve out a truly global presence in music. The journey is just beginning, and the world is ready to listen.
Table of Contents
